Crime & Safety
Police Search for Slasher in Chatsworth
A 50-year-old transient may be responsible for attack at local saloon.
Police are warning the public not to confront a man they believe slashed another's face during an argument over a missing bicycle outside a popular Chatsworth bar.
The attacker was described as a 50-year-old white man with brown hair, about 5-foot-10 in height and weighing about 200 pounds.
Police responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 21600 block of Devonshire Street at 8 p.m. Friday after the attacker fled the scene, according to Senior Lead Officer Daniel Del Valle of the LAPD Devonshire Division.
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“The victim said to the suspect, 'Where’s my bike?' ” Del Valle said. “The victim was upset when he thought someone had stolen his bicycle outside of .”
Del Valle said the attacker is possibly a transient who should not be confronted.
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A Chatsworth Patch reader said in an email that the police were looking for a man with long, straggly dark or gray hair with missing front teeth.
“He is mentally unstable,” the reader advised, adding, “My friend should recover.”
Witnesses to the attack can call 877-LAPD-24-7 (877-523-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cellphone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.
—Saul Daniels contributed to this report.